Andrew Steele rejoins Alabama Basketball Team

University of Alabama junior Andrew Steele has been medically cleared to return to competitive action and will rejoin the Crimson Tide men's basketball team effective immediately.

"I'm excited to have Andrew back," UA head coach Anthony Grant said. "It's been a long ordeal for him. Four or five months ago we met and thought his career had come to an end. During process from the summer to now he got continually re-tested and our medical staff felt it would be possible for him to return. After having discussions with Andrew and his family, it was something that he had a desire to do. I trust our medical staff in terms of monitoring him and we'll certainly monitor him in practice. Based on what I've seen, he's more than capable of coming back and helping our team."

Steele announced his intent to end his competitive career due to lingering post-concussion symptoms in June. However, in recent months the 6-4, 230-pound guard has experienced no post-concussion symptoms and expressed his desire to return to the court. As he has been since his first diagnosis, he will continue to be closely monitored and evaluated by the UA sports medicine staff and team doctors.

"It's exciting to get the opportunity to play again which is something I thought might never happen again," Steele said of his return. "We finally got to a point where myself and my doctors were comfortable with me playing again. It's always been my desire to play, but not at the expense of my health. Now that we're confident I can play without comprising that, I'm excited to get back out there. The medical staff has gone above and beyond and has been really proactive with my health and I'm thankful for that."

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